10.3 School Bus Only

Emergency equipment:

In addition to checking for spare electrical fuses (if equipped), three red reflective triangles, and a properly charged and rated fire extinguisher, school bus drivers also must inspect the 7-item first-aid kit.

Lighting indicators:

In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2, school bus drivers also must check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):

Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped.

Alternately flashing red lights indicator.

Strobe light indicator, if equipped.

Lights/reflectors:

In addition to checking the lights and reflective devices listed in Section 10.2, school bus drivers also must check the following (external) lights and reflectors:

Strobe light, if equipped.

Stop arm light, if equipped.

Alternately flashing amber lights, if equipped.

Alternately flashing red lights.

Stop arm:

If equipped, check the stop arm to see that it is mounted securely to the frame of the vehicle. Also, check for loose fittings and damage.

Passenger entry/lift:

Check that the entry door is not damaged, operates smoothly, and closes securely from the inside.

Hand rails are secure and the step light is working, if equipped.

The entry steps must be clear with the treads not loose or worn excessively.

If equipped with a handicap lift, look for leaking, damaged or missing parts and explain how lift should be checked for correct operation. Lift must be fully retracted and latched securely.

Emergency exit:

Make sure all emergency exits are not damaged, operate smoothly and close securely from the inside.

Check that any emergency exit warning devices are working.

Seating:

Look for broken seat frames and check that seat frames are firmly attached to the floor.

Check that seat cushions are attached securely to the seat frames.

When the examiner asks about emergency equipment, tell the examiner: "This vehicle is equipped with a fire extinguisher, 3 red reflective triangles, spare electrical fuses, and a 7-item first aid kit." Be prepared to physically show the examiner all of these.

In addition to checking all of the normal light indicators on the dash, you must also show the examiner the lighting indicators specific to buses such as amber or red alternating lights and the strobe light indicator if equipped.

You must show the examiner each and every light on the bus. Tell the examiner each light must be clean, properly secured, not cracked or broken. You must also give the correct name for each light as you point them out.

Point out the stop arm and tell the examiner: "The stop arm should be functioning properly, be securely mounted to the frame, and all fitting should be secured."

While pointing to each part, tell the examiner: "The door should be properly secured, not bent, broken, or damaged. The hand rail should also be properly mounted and secured, not bent, cracked, or broken."

Physically check the emergency exits while telling the examiner: "The emergency exit should not be broken and should operate smoothly. All warning devices should be functioning properly."

Physically check the seats while telling the examiner: "All seats should be properly mounted and secured, firmly attached to the floor, and not damaged. All seat cushions need to be attached securely to the seat frames."

OWI:

Operating While Intoxicated

OOS:

When a violation by either a driver or company is confirmed, an out-of-service order removes either the driver or the vehicle from the roadway until the violation is corrected.

Review Questions - Click On The Picture To Begin...

For school buses, what additional lighting indicators need to be inspected?

All of these are correct

Alternately flashing red lights indicator

Strobe light indicator, if equipped

Alternately flashing amber lights indicator, if equipped

Quote From The CDL Manual:

Lighting indicators: In addition to checking the lighting indicators listed in Section 10.2, school bus drivers also must check the following lighting indicators (internal panel lights):

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